US9429294B2 - System for directional control of light and associated methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for emitting light in selective directions including a light source structure member, a plurality of lighting devices attached to the light source structure member, a controller, a power supply, and an optic carried by the light source structure member and including a plurality of facets. Each light source of the plurality of light sources may be positioned such that light emitted thereby is emitted through a facet of the plurality of facets of the first optic. Each facet of the plurality of facets may be configured to redirect light in a direction that is unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets. Additionally, the controller may be configured to selectively operate each light source of the plurality of light sources. Multiple pairs, or combinations, of light source structure members and optics may be included.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the direction of emitted light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Directional lighting from a single lighting device has traditionally been limited to the positioning of an illuminant, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) to emit light in a selected direction. As nearly all LEDs emit light in the hemisphere directly above the LED (or below depending on the configuration of the LED), the directional control of light has typically been accomplished by positioning the LED such that an apex of the LED is pointed in the direction desired to be illuminated, and the use of optics to shape the beam of light emitted by the LED. This results in the need for multiple discrete structures capable of being positioned independently of one another in order to achieve multi-directional lighting from a single device. Additionally, this requires multiple discrete circuit boards upon which the LEDs are positioned, or circuit boards that are either flexible or contain bends, both of which are cumbersome to employ. This type of device has significant costs in terms of materials for each discrete structure and for enabling repositioning thereof.

Additionally, the use of light-piping materials has enabled the redirection of light emitted by an LED such that it is emitted at a relatively distant location in a direction other than the hemisphere above the LED. However, light-piping materials typically reduce the brightness of light conducted thereby such that it is not useful for illuminating purposes. Additionally, light-piping materials are traditionally used in a single LED device, and not utilized where there is an array of LEDs.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a lighting device capable of enabling multi-directional lighting that is suitable for illuminating purposes, while reducing the cost of production, namely, the cost of providing structural support for the lighting device, and reducing the number of circuit boards employed for enabling said directional illumination.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in mind, embodiments of the present invention are related to an optic for emitting light in selective directions. The optic may include a receiving section having a receiving surface, an intermediate section, and an emitting section comprising a plurality of facets. Each facet of the plurality of facets may be configured to be associated with a respective light source of a plurality of light sources. The receiving surface may be configured to direct light incident thereupon through the intermediate section to a facet of the emitting section. Each facet of the plurality of facets may be configured to redirect light received from the receiving surface. Additionally, substantially each facet of the plurality of facets may be configured to redirect light in a direction that is unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets.

In another embodiment of the invention, a lighting device for emitting light in selective directions may include a first light source structure member having an outer surface, a first plurality of light sources that may be attached to the outer surface of the light source structure member, a controller functionally coupled to the plurality of lighting devices, a power supply positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller and the first plurality of lighting devices, and a first optic. The first optic may include a receiving section including a receiving surface, an intermediate section, and an emitting section. The emitting section may include a plurality of facets. The first optic may be carried by the first light source structure member. Each light source of the first plurality of light sources may be positioned such that light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface. Furthermore, the light may be directed through the intermediate section and emitted through a facet of the plurality of facets of the first optic. Each facet of the plurality of facets may be configured to redirect light in a direction that is unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets. Additionally, the controller may be configured to selectively operate each light source of the first plurality of light sources.

In some embodiments, the lighting device may further include a second light source structure member having an outer surface, a second plurality of light sources positioned on the second light source structure member, and a second optic having a receiving section including a generally planar receiving surface, an intermediate section, and an emitting section. The emitting section may comprise a plurality of facets. Furthermore, each light source of the second plurality of light sources may be positioned such that light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface. The light may then be directed through the intermediate section and emitted through a facet of the plurality of facets of the second optic. Each facet of the plurality of facets of the second optic may be configured to redirect light in a direction that is unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets of the second optic. Additionally, the power supply may be positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to selectively operate each light source of the first and second pluralities of light sources. The receiving surface of the first optic may define a first plane, and the receiving surface of the second optic may defend second plane. The first plane may be skew to the second plane. In some embodiments the first plane may be perpendicular to the second plane.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a lighting device for emitting light in selective directions. The lighting device may include a plurality of lighting structures, each lighting structure of the plurality of lighting structures including a light source structure member having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of light sources attached to the outer surface of the light source structure member, and an optic. The optic may comprise a receiving section including a receiving surface, an intermediate section, and an emitting section. The emitting section may include a plurality of facets. Additionally, the optic may be carried by the light source structure member adjacent to the outer surface. The lighting device may further include a controller that is functionally coupled to the plurality of light sources of each of the lighting structures of the plurality of lighting structures. Additionally, the lighting device may further include a power supply positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller and the plurality of light sources of the plurality of lighting structures.

The plurality of lighting structures may be positioned such that the inner surface of each light source structure member cooperates to define an internal cavity. Additionally, each of the controller and the power supply may be carried by at least one light source structure member of the plurality of lighting structures such that the controller is positioned within the internal cavity. In some embodiments, each of the controller and the power supply may be carried by a structural support of the lighting device. Similarly, each of the lighting structures of the plurality of lighting structures may similarly be carried by the structural support. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to selectively operate each light source of the plurality of light sources of each lighting structure. Each light source of the plurality of light sources of each lighting structure may be positioned such that the light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface of the same lighting structure, directed through the intermediate section, and emitted through a facet of the plurality of facets of the optic of the same lighting structure. Additionally, each facet of the plurality of facets of each lighting structure may be configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets of the same lighting structure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each facet of the plurality of facets of each lighting structure may be configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets of each lighting structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optic according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the optic ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the optic ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a light source structure member to be used in connection with a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of the light source structure member ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the light source structure member ofFIG. 4 with the optic ofFIG. 1 positioned adjacent thereto.

FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the light source structure member and optic ofFIG. 6 taken through line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of the lighting device ofFIG. 8 taken through line 9-9.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the lighting device ofFIG. 13 taken through line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an environmental view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention installed in a room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

Throughout this disclosure, the present invention may be referred to as relating to luminaires, digital lighting, light sources, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this terminology is only illustrative and does not affect the scope of the invention. For instance, the present invention may just as easily relate to lasers or other digital lighting technologies. Additionally, a person of skill in the art will appreciate that the use of LEDs within this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any specific form of LED, and should be read to apply to light emitting semiconductors in general. Accordingly, skilled artisans should not view the following disclosure as limited to any particular light emitting semiconductor device, and should read the following disclosure broadly with respect to the same.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides an optic for a lighting device. Referring now toFIG. 1, an optic100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed in detail. The optic100 may be configured to receive light from one or more light sources and redirect that incident light in multiple directions. The direction in which the incident light is redirected may be determined by where the light is incident on theoptic100.

The optic100 may include areceiving section110, anintermediate section120, and an emittingsection130. Theintermediate section120 may be positioned between the receivingsection110 and the emittingsection130. Each of the receivingsection110, theintermediate section120, and the emittingsection130 may be formed of transparent or translucent material. Moreover, each may be formed of the same material, or a variety of materials may be used. In some embodiments, the optic100 may be formed as a single integral structure. In other embodiments, one or more of the receivingsection110, theintermediate section120, and the emittingsection130 may be formed apart from the other parts of the optic100 and may be attached and placed in optical communication with the adjacent parts of the optic100 according to any means or methods known in the art. Means and methods of attachment may include, but are not limited to, fasteners, glues, optical glues, adhesives, and the like. Additionally, optical grease may be applied between the attaching portions of the optic100 to improve optical communication therebetween.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 1 and referring additionally toFIG. 2, the receivingsection110 will now be discussed in greater detail. The receivingsection110 may be configured to receive light from a light source. More specifically, the receivingsection110 may be configured to receive light from a plurality of light sources. As such, the receivingsection110 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to a plurality of light sources. In some embodiments, where the plurality of light sources are arranged in a flat, generally planar configuration, the receivingsection110 may similarly be configured to be generally planar. More specifically, the receivingsection110 may comprise a receivingsurface112, and the receivingsurface112 may be configured to be generally flat. In other embodiments, where the plurality of light sources are positioned in a generally arcuate configuration, the receivingsurface112 may be similarly configured to be generally arcuate, conforming to a curvature of the plurality of light sources. In the present embodiment, the receivingsurface112 is generally flat. Moreover, where the plurality of light sources to which thereceiving section110 is to be placed adjacent to are positioned in an array, the receivingsurface112 may be configured to have a geometric configuration that generally conforms to the configuration of the array of light sources. In the present embodiment, the receivingsurface112 has a generally rectangular configuration, forming a square with rounded corners. This geometric configuration is exemplary only, and all other configurations are contemplated and included within the scope of the invention, including, but not limited to, circles, ovals, ellipses, triangles, and any other polygon. Moreover, arcuate configurations of the receivingsurface112 are also contemplated and included within the scope of the invention. Such configurations include, but are not limited to, spherical or semi-spherical configurations, and any other ellipsoid.

The receivingsurface112 may be configured to include optical characteristics. In some embodiments, the receivingsurface112 may be polished so as to facilitate the maximum transmission of light therethrough. Additionally, the receivingsurface112 may be polished so as to have little or no refraction on light incident thereupon. Similarly, the receivingsection110 may be similarly formed so as to result in little or no refraction of light passing therethrough. More specifically, abody section114 of the receivingsection110 may be configured so as to cause little or no refraction of light passing therethrough. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the receivingsurface112 and thebody section114 may be configured to collimate light. More specifically, each of the receivingsurface112 and thebody section114 may be configured to collimate light in a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by the receivingsurface112. In some embodiments, as in the present embodiment, the plane may be flat. In other embodiments, the plane may be curved. Furthermore, thebody section114 may be configured to include a plurality of collimating sections. Each collimating section may be configured to collimate light incident thereupon such that light from each collimating section does not propagate into an adjacent collimating section.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the receivingsurface112 may include a material applied thereto. For example, optical grease may be applied to the receivingsurface112 so as to facilitate the transmission of light between a light source and the receivingsurface112 when the receivingsection110 is positioned adjacent to a plurality of light sources. Furthermore, as another example, a color conversion layer (not shown) may be positioned adjacent the receivingsurface112. The color conversion layer may be configured to receive light within a source wavelength range and convert the light, emitting a converted light within a converted wavelength range. The color conversion layer may be attached, deposited, or otherwise positioned on the receivingsurface112 by any means that is suitable to the material forming the color conversion layer. In some embodiments, the receivingsurface112 may include two or more color conversion layers positioned upon different sections of the receivingsurface112. Each of the two or more color conversion layers may convert respective source lights of the same or differing wavelengths to respective converted lights of differing wavelengths. The receivingsurface112 may include any number of color conversion layers, including overlapping layers. Color conversion layers may be formed of material selected from the group consisting of phosphors, quantum dots, luminescent materials, fluorescent materials, and dyes. More details regarding the enablement and use of a color conversion layer may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/073,805, entitled MEMS Wavelength Converting Lighting Device and Associated Methods, filed Mar. 28, 2011, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/234,604, entitled Remote Light Wavelength Conversion Device and Associated Methods, filed Sep. 16, 2011, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/234,371, entitled Color Conversion Occlusion and Associated Methods, filed Sep. 16, 2011, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/357,283, entitled Dual Characteristic Color Conversion Enclosure and Associated Methods, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, thebody section114 may be formed of a material or a mixture of materials configured to perform a similar color conversion of light passing therethrough.

Thebody section114 may include one or more side surfaces115. The number and configuration of side surfaces115 may be defined by the geometric configuration of the receivingsection110. The side surfaces115 may be configured to prevent light from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the side surfaces115 may have an absorbing or reflecting material applied thereto. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the side surfaces115 may be configured to redirect light incident thereupon emitted by the plurality of light sources and passing through the receivingsurface112 in the direction of theinterfacing surface116. Additionally, each of the receivingsurface112 and thebody member114 may be configured to direct light so as to not be incident upon the side surfaces115.

Additionally, the receivingsection110 may further include aninterfacing surface116. Theinterfacing surface116 may be configured so as to facilitate the transmission of light from the receivingsection110 to theintermediate section120. Theinterfacing section116 may be configured to include any or all of the optical characteristics described for the receivingsurface112 and thebody section114 described hereinabove. Moreover, theinterfacing section116 may have optical grease, a color conversion layer, or other material applied to or placed adjacent thereto, in addition to or exclusive of optical grease and/or a color conversion layer associated with the receivingsurface112.

Additionally, theinterfacing surface116 may include an exposedsurface118, being defined as the section of theinterfacing surface116 that is outside the periphery of the interface between the interfacingsurface116 and theintermediate section120. The exposedsurface118 may be configured to have the same optical characteristics as the rest of theinterfacing surface116 as described hereinabove, or it may have different characteristics. In some embodiments, the exposedsurface118 may be configured to absorb or reflect light incident thereupon, such that no light received by the receivingsection110 from the plurality of light sources passes through and is emitted by the exposedsurface118. Moreover, each of the receivingsurface112 and thebody section114 may be configured to direct light, either by directed collimation or refraction, received from the plurality of light sources away from the exposedsection118 such that little or no light may pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the exposedsurface118 may be configured to refract light incident thereupon in the direction of theinterfacing surface116 that is interfaced with theintermediate section120. In some embodiments, the exposedsurface118 may be configured to refract light so as to emit generally diffuse light.

It is appreciated that where the optic100 is formed as a single integral unit, or at least where the receivingsection110 and theintermediate section120 are formed as a single integral unit, theinterfacing surface116 may be limited to the exposedsurface118.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 1, theintermediate section120 will now be discussed in greater detail. Theintermediate section120 may be configured to facilitate the transmission of light from the receivingsection110 to the emittingsection130. Accordingly, theintermediate section120 may be configured to receive light from the receivingsection110 and to emit light so as to be received by the emittingsection130.

Furthermore, theintermediate section120 may include optical characteristics so as to affect light passing therethrough. In some embodiments, theintermediate section120 may be configured to collimate light passing therethrough. More specifically, theintermediate section120 may be configured to collimate light in a direction generally orthogonal the plane defined by the receivingsurface112. Furthermore, theintermediate section120 may be configured to include a plurality of collimating sections. Each collimating section may be configured to collimate light incident thereupon such that light from each collimating section does not propagate into an adjacent collimating section. Moreover, in embodiments where thebody section114 of the receivingsection110 comprises a plurality of collimating sections, each collimating section of theintermediate section120 may be associated with a collimating section of thebody section114 such that light collimated by each collimating section of thebody section114 remains collimated and continues in the established direction of travel in the associated collimating section of theintermediate section120. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each collimating section of theintermediate section120 may be associated with a single light source of a plurality of light sources. In some embodiments, each collimating section may be the only collimating section associated with one or more light sources of a plurality of light sources.

In some embodiments, where theintermediate section120 is formed separate and apart from at least one of the receivingsection110 and the emittingsection130, theintermediate section120 may be formed so as to facilitate the optical coupling thereto. For example, where theintermediate section120 is formed separate from the receivingsection110, theintermediate section120 may have alower surface122 configured to interface with and optically couple to the receivingsection110. More specifically, thelower surface122 may be configured to interface with and optically couple to theinterfacing surface116 of the receivingsection110. Moreover, thelower surface122 may have a coating or layer of material applied thereto or positioned thereupon. In some embodiments, a color conversion layer, as described hereinabove, may be positioned adjacent to thelower surface122 to convert light received from the receivingsection110. Additionally, optical grease may be applied to thelower surface122 to facilitate optical coupling between it and theinterfacing surface116.

Thelower surface122 may be configured to have a geometry that is similar to or conforms to the geometry of theinterfacing surface116. In the present embodiment, thelower surface122 has a generally square configuration. It is appreciated that thelower surface122 may have a geometry conforming to any polygon. Moreover, it is appreciated that the geometry of thelower surface122 may define a surface area. In some embodiments, the surface area of thelower surface122 may be approximately equal to a surface area of theinterfacing section116, such that thelower surface122 is generally coextensive with theinterfacing section116. In some embodiments, thelower surface122 may have a surface area that is less than the surface area of theinterfacing surface116. In such embodiments, the exposedsurface118 may thereby be defined as the difference in surface area resulting in a portion of theinterfacing surface116 being exposed and not covered by thelower surface122.

Similarly, where theintermediate section120 is formed separate from the emittingsection130, theintermediate section120 may include anupper surface124 configured to optically couple to the emittingsection130. Theupper surface124 may have any of the characteristics and additional features, including color conversion layers and optical grease, as thelower surface122.

It is appreciated that in embodiments where theintermediate section120 is integrally formed with either of the receivingsection110 and the emittingsection130, the lower andupper surfaces122,124, respectively, may be absent in such embodiments.

Theintermediate section120 may further include abody section126. Thebody section126 may be configured to facilitate the traversal of light therethrough, from thelower surface122 to theupper surface124. Moreover, thebody section126 may be configured to have optical characteristics to affect light passing therethrough. Any of the characteristics as described for thebody section114 of the receivingsection110 may be included in thebody section126 of theintermediate section120.

Furthermore, thebody section126 may have one or more sidewalls128. Thesidewalls128 may be configured to have acurvature129. Thecurvature129 may be necessitated by a difference in the surface areas of thelower surface122 and theupper surface124. Thesidewalls128 may be configured to redirect light incident thereupon, as a result of the differences in the surface areas of the lower andupper surfaces122,124, in the direction of theupper surface124.

Continuing to refer toFIGS. 1 and 2, the emittingsection130 will now be discussed in greater detail. The emittingsection130 may be configured to receive light from theintermediate section120 and to emit the received light. More specifically, the emittingsection130 may be configured to emit light in such a manner so as to enable the control of the direction of light emitted from the optic100.

The emittingsection130 may include a plurality offacets132. Eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light. More specifically, eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light in a particular direction. In some embodiments, eachfacet132 of the plurality offacets132 may be configured to emit light in a direction that is unique from the direction of light emitted by theother facets132 of the plurality offacets132.

The plurality offacets132 may be configured so as to enable a user to selectively emit light from a plurality of light sources, the emitted light being received by the receivingsurface112, passing through each of the receivingsection110 and theintermediate section120, and being emitted by the emittingsection130 through one or more of the plurality offacets132 in a direction selected by the user. In some embodiments, when a user operates a single light source of the plurality of light sources, light may be emitted by asingle facet132 of the plurality offacets132 in a single direction, such that the optic100 emits light only from thatfacet132, and hence only in that direction. Accordingly, in some embodiments, eachfacet132 may be associated with a single light source of a plurality of light sources. Moreover, in some embodiments, eachfacet132 of the plurality offacets132 may be the only facet associated with the light source. In some other embodiments, two ormore facets132 of the plurality offacets132 may be associated with a single light source. In some embodiments, two or more light sources may be associated with asingle facet132. Where asingle facet132 is configured to be associated with two or more light sources, light emitted by the two or more light sources may combine to form a combined light. In some embodiments, the combined light may be a white light. It is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention that any combination of light, or specifically, light having differing wavelengths ranges corresponding to differing colors, may combine to form a combined light that is a member, a light that is perceived as a combination of the two colors.

Each facet may have a projected surface area that corresponds and generally conforms to a section of theupper surface124 of theintermediate section120. In some embodiments, where theintermediate section120 comprises a plurality of collimating section, eachfacet132 may have associated with it one or more collimating sections. In such embodiments, eachfacet132 may be associated with the light source(s) with which the associated collimating section of theintermediate section120 is associated.

Eachfacet132 of the plurality offacets132 may include an emittingsurface134 and one or more redirectingsurfaces136. The redirectingsurfaces136 may be configured to redirect light in the direction of the emittingsurface134. Accordingly, substantially all of the light emitted by thefacet132 may be emitted through the emittingsurface134. The emittingsurface134 may be configured so as to emit light in a selected direction. Moreover, the emittingsurface134 may be configured to emit light having a selected divergence. In some embodiments, the emittingsurface134 may be configured so that the divergence of light emitted therefrom is relatively low, such that a spot light is emitted by thefacet132. Accordingly, the optic100 may be configured to emit light as a combination of a plurality of spot lights, each spot light being light emitted through eachfacet132 of the plurality offacets132.

Referring now additionally toFIG. 3, additional aspects of the emittingsection130 will now be discussed in greater detail. In some embodiments, the emittingsection130 may be configured such that aportion137 of the emittingsection130 is generally flat and surrounded by the plurality offacets132. Moreover, the generallyflat portion137 may be positioned such that thecenter133 is located therein.

The emittingsurface134 of eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light in a selected direction. More specifically, the emittingsurface134 of eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light in a direction that is generally orthogonal to a plane defined by the emittingsurface134. Accordingly, the direction in which light is emitted from each emittingsurface134 may be individual to eachfacet132, as the plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of eachfacet132 may be skew to every other plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of everyother facet132 of the plurality offacets132. Moreover, the direction in which eachfacet132 emits light may be measured in a polar system, whereby a line that is normal to the plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of eachfacet132 may be measured in terms of first and second angles corresponding to a polar system. In some embodiments, eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light in a direction such that at least one of the first and second angles formed by the line normal to the plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of thefacet132 is non-equal to the first or second angle, respectively, every other line normal to the plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of theother facets132 of the plurality offacets132. In some embodiments, afacet132 may be configured to emit light in a direction such that at least one of the first and second angles formed by the line normal to the emittingsection134 of thefacet132 is equal to the first and/or second angle, respectively, of a line normal to the emittingsection134 of at least oneother facet132 of the plurality offacets132.

The direction in which eachfacet132 is configured to emit light may be selected based on any desired distribution of light, either individually to eachfacet132 or in various combinations offacets132 of the plurality offacets132. Moreover, the direction in which eachfacet132 is configured to emit light may be selected based on a pattern or methodology. In the present embodiment, the plurality offacets132 may be configured to emit light in a direction that is a function of the location of thefacet132 within the emittingsection130. More specifically, the plurality offacets132 may be configured to emit light in the direction it is a function of the location of thefacet132 relative to thecenter133 of the emittingsection130. In the present embodiment, eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light generally in the direction of aline135 that is normal to the generallyflat portion137 of the emittingsection130 and passing through thecenter133. In some other embodiments, eachfacet132 may be configured to emit light generally in a direction away from theline135. This methodology of configuring the plurality offacets132 is exemplary only, and any other pattern or methodology of configuring the plurality offacets132 is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention.

In some embodiments, the plurality offacets132 may include a color conversion layer. The color conversion layer may be formed of any material script hereinabove. In some embodiments, the color conversion layer may be positioned adjacent to the emittingsurface134 of eachfacet132. In some embodiments, a color conversion material may be integrally formed with eachfacet132. A first color conversion material may be associated with thefirst facet132, and the second color conversion material may be associated with asecond facet132. The first color conversion material may be configured to emit a converted light within a first wavelength range corresponding to a first color, and the second color conversion material may be configured to emit a converted light within a second wavelength range corresponding to a second color. Moreover, in some embodiments, more than one color conversion material may be present and associated with asingle facet132 such that a portion of the light emitted by thefacet132 may be within a first wavelength range, and another portion of the light emitted by thefacet132 may be within a second wavelength range. Furthermore, where afacet132 includes a color conversion layer configured to convert a source light within a source wavelength range and emit a converted light within a converted wavelength range, only a portion of the light that is emitted by thefacet132 may be converted, such that the light emitted by thefacet132 is a combination of light within the source wavelength range and light within the converted wavelength range.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-5, additional aspects of the present invention will now be discussed. More specifically, a lightsource structure member200 configured to cooperate with theoptic100 ofFIGS. 1-3 is presented. The lightsource structure member200 may include abase member210, a plurality oflight sources220 positioned upon thebase member210, and a plurality ofoptic attachment members230.

Thebase member210 may be configured to permit the plurality oflight sources220 to be positioned thereupon so as to emit light that is incident upon theoptic100. More specifically, thebase member210 may be configured to permit the plurality oflight sources220 to be positioned thereupon so as to emit light that is incident upon the receivingsection110. More specifically, thebase member210 may be configured to permit the plurality oflight sources220 to be positioned thereupon so as to emit light is incident upon the receivingsection110 such a manner so as to control the direction of light that is emitted by theoptic100.

The plurality oflight sources220 may include a plurality of devices operable to emit light. Any type of device operable to emit light known in the art are contemplated included within the scope of the invention, including, but not limited to, light-emitting semiconductors, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, florescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), arc lights, halogen, and the like. In the present embodiment, the plurality oflight sources220 may include a plurality ofLEDs221. The plurality ofLEDs221 may include any type of LED known in the art. Moreover, theLEDs221 included in the plurality ofLEDs221 may be selected based on the characteristics of light emitted thereby the characteristics of light that may be considered includes but is not limited to brightness, wavelength range, color, color temperature, luminous efficiency, luminous efficacy, and the like. EachLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 may have the same characteristics of light, or any of the characteristics may vary LED to LED. Moreover, eachLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 may be selected so as to emit light selected lighting characteristics when emitted by theoptic100. For example, where an element of the optic100 includes color conversion material, anLED221 configured to emit light within a wavelength range corresponding to a source wavelength range for the color conversion material such that light emitted by theLED221 is incident upon the color conversion material and the color conversion material may emit a converted light within a converted wavelength range.

Thebase member210 may include anupper surface212, one or more side surfaces214, alower surface216, and athickness218 between theupper surface212 and thelower surface216. Each of theupper surface212, thelower surface216, and thethickness218 may be configured to permit the positioning of the plurality oflight sources220 thereupon. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of theupper service212 and thelower surface216 may be configured to permit the plurality oflight sources220 to be positioned in optical communication with the optic100. The nature of thelight source220, for example, its structural characteristics and light emission distribution characteristics may alter the nature of the configuration of each of theupper surface212 and thelower surface200.

In the present embodiment, where the plurality oflight sources220 includes a plurality ofLEDs221, thebase member210 may be configured to permit eachLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 to be positioned in optical communication with the optic100. More specifically each of theupper surface212, thelower surface216, and thethickness218 may be configured to permit eachLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 to be positioned in optical communication with the optic100. In the present embodiment, thelower surface216 may include a plurality ofcavities217. Eachcavity217 may extend into thethickness218 and may be configured to permit anLED221 to be positioned at least partially there within. More specifically, eachcavity217 may be configured to permit a light-emitting portion of anLED221 to be positioned therein.

Additionally, theupper surface212 may include a plurality offeatures213 configured to facilitate the optical communication between the plurality ofLEDs221 and the optic100. The arrangement of the plurality offeatures213 on theupper surface212 may correspond to the arrangement of theplurality cavities217 on thelower surface216. More specifically, the plurality ofcavities217 may extend through thethickness218 such that light emitted by anLED221 positioned within eachindividual cavity217 may be incident upon an associatedfeature213. Accordingly, eachcavity217 of the plurality ofcavities217 may be associated with afeature213 of the plurality offeatures213.

The distribution of thecavities217 and thefeatures213 may be configured to correspond with the distribution of thefacets132 of the optic100. In some embodiments, each pair of acavity217 and afeature213 may be associated with afacet132 of the plurality offacets132. In some embodiments, more than one pair of acavity217 and afeature213 may be associated with asingle facet132. In some embodiments a single pair of acavity217 and afeature213 may be associated with more than onefacet132.

The plurality offeatures213 may be configured to facilitate the optical communication between the plurality ofLEDs221 and the optic100. In some embodiments, the plurality offeatures213 may have a generally sloped profile. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality offeatures213 may include anoptical component215. Theoptical component215 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. Additionally, theoptical component215 may be configured to interact with light incident thereupon and passing there through so as to alter the characteristics of the instant light. For example, in some embodiments, theoptical component215 may be configured to reflect, refract, collimate, or otherwise redirect light incident thereupon. Additionally, in some embodiments, theoptical component215 say be configured to diffuse light incident thereupon.

Light that is emitted from eachLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 and emitted from thefeature213 associated with eachLED221 may be incident upon the receivingsurface112 of the optic100. More specifically, light emitted from eachfeature213 may be incident upon the receivingsurface112 and pass therethrough, and may similarly be incident upon theintermediate section120 and past therethrough, and may finally be incident upon the emittingsection130. More specifically, light emitted from eachfeature213 may be incident upon afacet132 of the emittingsection130 and may be emitted by thefacet132. Hence, light emitted by afeature213 may result in thefacet132 associated with thefeature213 emitting light. As light is emitted from eachfeature213, it may be reflected, refracted, collimated, or otherwise redirected so as to be emitted by thefacet132 that is associated with thefeature213. Such redirection may be accomplished by the inclusion of features configured to accomplish such redirection in any of the various elements of the lightsource structure member200 and the optic100 as disclosed hereinabove. Accordingly, when light is emitted from afeature213, light may be emitted from the optic100 by thefacet132 in a direction that is normal to a plane defined by an emittingsurface134 of thefacet132. As eachfeature213 is associated with anLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221, when asingle LED221 is operated, the light emitted from the operatedLED221 may be emitted, in some embodiments, by asingle facet132 in a direction that is normal to a plane defined by the emittingsurface134 of thefacet132. Accordingly, the direction in which light is emitted from the optic100 may be controlled by the selective operation of theLEDs221 of the plurality ofLEDs221.

Thebase member210 may be configured to have a geometric shape. Some embodiments, thebase member210 may be configured to have substantially the same shape as theoptic100. More specifically, thebase member210 may be configured to have substantially the same geometric shape as the receivingsection110 of the optic100. In the present embodiment, thebase member210 may have a generally square shape. Thebase number210 may be configured to have a shape conforming to any polygon.

Thebase member210 may further include a plurality ofattachment ports222. The plurality ofattachment ports222 may facilitate the attachment of thebase member210 to a structure. In some embodiments, the plurality ofattachment ports222 may permit thebase member210 to be attached to a support structure. Such an embodiment will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the plurality ofattachment ports222 may facilitate the attachment of thebase member210 to a structural surface, such as a wall, ceiling, or floor. The plurality ofattachment ports222 may be configured to permit the positioning of a fastener therethrough. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the plurality ofattachment ports222 may be formed as an aperture through thethickness218 of thebody member210, such that a fastener may pass from theupper surface212 to thelower surface216 and beyond. Additionally, in some embodiments, the aperture may be countersunk. This method of attachment is exemplary only, and any and all other means or methods of attachment known in the art are contemplated and included within the scope of the invention.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 4, theoptic attachment members230 will now be discussed in greater detail. Theoptic attachment members230 may be configured to facilitate the positioning of an optic100 adjacent to theupper surface212. More specifically, theoptic attachment members230 may be configured to facilitate the positioning of an optic100 adjacent to, and in optical communication with, the plurality offeatures213 of theupper surface212. Additionally, theoptic attachment members230 may be configured to retain and carries the optic100 and a selected position relative to the lightsource structure member200, preventing the movement of the optic100 relative to the lightsource structure member200. Eachoptic attachment member230 may be configured as an outcropping extending generally away from theupper surface212. In some embodiments, theoptic attachment members230 may extend in a direction generally orthogonal to theupper surface212.

Eachoptic attachment member230 may include abase section232, anextension section234, arounded section236, and anupper section238. Thebase section232 may be generally adjacent to theupper surface212. In some embodiments, thebase section232 may be configured to facilitate the attachment of theoptic attachment member230 to theupper surface212. Any method or means of attachment as is known in the art may be used, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glues, welding, fasteners, and the like. It is contemplated included within the scope of the invention that, in some embodiments, theoptic attachment members230 may be integrally formed with thebase member210. Theextension section234 may extend generally away from thebase section232 in a direction generally away from theupper surface212. In some embodiments, theextension section234 may be sloped, more specifically, maybe sloped generally inward from a perimeter defined by thebase section232. The perimeter defined by thebase section232 may generally define the shape of theextension section234. In the present embodiment, thebase section232 is generally circular in shape, thereby defining a circular perimeter. As such, theextension section234 is generally cylindrical in shape. However, where theextension section234 is sloped, theextension section234 may be generally conical in shape. More specifically, theextension section234 may be generally frustoconical in shape.

Therounded section236 may be positioned adjacent to an end of theextension section234 generally opposite thebase section232. Therounded section236 may be rounded inward in the direction of theupper section238. Theupper section238 may define an upper end theoptic attachment member230. Moreover, in some embodiments, theupper section238 may be generally flat.

Theoptic attachment members230 may be configured attached to the optic100 so as to position the optic100 as described hereinabove. In some embodiments, theoptic attachment members230 may be configured to attach removably the optic100. Any means or method of attachment as is known in the art may be employed, moving, but not limited to, adhesives, glues, interference fits, frictional fits, welding, fasteners, and the like.

In the present embodiment, theoptic attachment members230 may be configured to extend into a section of the optic100 that is configured to receive theoptic attachment members230. More specifically, the material of eachoptic attachment member230 may facilitate the attachment of the optic100 to theoptic attachment members230. For example, theoptic attachment members230 may be formed of a material having a generally increased coefficient of friction. Moreover, theoptic attachment members230 may be formed of a material that is generally compressible. Accordingly, where theoptic attachment members230 are positioned within a section of the optic100 configured to receive theoptic attachment members230, the optic100 may generally compress theoptic attachment members230 and, more specifically, may compress at least one of theextension section234 and therounded section236, increasing the friction therebetween and attaching thereby. This method of attaching the optic100 to theoptic attachment members230 is exemplary only and does not limit the scope of methods of attachment. An optic100 that has been attached to the lightsource structure member200 is illustrated, for example, inFIG. 6.

Referring now toFIG. 7, additional aspects of the attachment between the optic100 and the lightsource structure member200 will now be discussed in greater detail. As disclosed hereinabove, the optic100 may be positioned adjacent to the lightsource structure member200 such that eachfeature213 is positioned in optical communication with an associatedfacet132. For example, in the present embodiment, afirst feature213′ may be positioned in optical communication with afirst facet132′. Additionally, asecond feature213″ may be positioned in optical communication with asecond facet132″. The positioning of each of the first andsecond features213′,213″ in optical communication with each of the first andsecond facets132′,132″ will depend on the optical characteristics of all of the elements, as well as the optical characteristics generally of the lightsource structure member200 and the optic100. In the present embodiment, each of the first andsecond features213′,213″ may be positioned so as to be generally vertically aligned with each associatedfeature132′,132″, respectively. Accordingly, light may be emitted by each of the first andsecond features213′,213″, propagate generally upwards, and be emitted by the emittingsurface134 of each of the first andsecond facets132′,132″. Similar positioning may be adopted for the remainingfacets132 of the plurality offacets132 and features213 of the plurality offeatures213.

Referring now toFIG. 8, an additional embodiment of the invention will now be discussed in greater detail. InFIGS. 6-7, a single pair (or combination) of an optic100 and a lightsource structure member200 was discussed. In some embodiments of the invention, more than one combination of an optic100 and a lightsource structure member200 may be included in a single lighting device, each combination being referred to as a lighting structure. As shown inFIG. 8, many of such lighting structures are depicted as being included in alighting device800. Thelighting device800 may include a plurality oflighting structures850. Eachlighting structure850 of the plurality oflighting structures850 may be a combination of an optic100 and a lightsource structure member200 as described hereinabove. Eachlighting structure850 may be positioned so as to be adjacent to at least oneother lighting structure850 of the plurality oflighting structures850. For example, in some embodiments, twolighting structures850 may be provided. Thelighting structures850 may be positioned such that a first plane defined by thelower surface216 of one of thelighting structures850 is skew to a second plane defined by thelower surface216 of theother lighting structure850. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first plane may be perpendicular to the second plane.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality oflighting structures850 may be positioned so as to define a geometric shape of thelighting device800. In the present embodiment, the plurality oflighting structures850 is positioned so as to define a generally cubic shape. It is contemplated, however, and intended to be included within the scope of the invention, that any other geometric configuration resulting from the positioning of the plurality oflighting devices850 defining a shape may be arranged, including, but not limited to, pyramids, boxes, or any other polyhedron, including regular polyhedral shapes. In some embodiments, a complete polyhedron may not be defined, wherein at least one face of the polyhedron is left unoccupied by alighting structure850. Such embodiments may be advantageous where thelighting device800 is to be attached to a surface of an external structure.

Additionally, the geometric configuration of thelighting device800 may depend upon the shape of eachlighting structure850. In the present embodiment, where eachlighting structure850 has a generally square shape, the plurality oflighting structures850 may readily be arranged to form alighting device800 having a generally cubic shape. In some embodiments, the plurality oflighting structures850 may have a geometric configuration other than a square, and, accordingly thelighting device800 may have a geometric configuration of the shape other than acute. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shape of onelighting structure850 is different from the shape of anotherlighting structure850, the geometric configuration of thelighting device800 may be determined as a result of the variation in shapes between thevarious lighting structures850.

In some embodiments, as in the present embodiment, the plurality oflighting structures850 may be positioned so as to be immediately adjacent to one another. In some embodiments, thelighting device800 may include a support structure (not shown). The support structure may be configured to position the plurality oflighting structures850 into a selected arrangement. For example, in the present embodiment, the support structure may be configured to position the plurality oflighting structures850 into a generally cubic shape. Eachlighting structure850 may be attached to the support structure any means or method known in the art. For example, the support structure may be configured to cooperate with theattachment ports222 of the lightsource structure member200. More specifically, the support structure may be configured to permit the attachment of a fastener thereto, wherein the fastener is positioned so as to pass through an aperture of theattachment ports222, as shown inFIGS. 4-5, thereby attaching the lightsource structure member200 to the support structure. Eachlighting structure850 may be similarly attached to the support structure in this manner.

Referring now toFIG. 9, additional aspects of thelighting device800 will now be discussed in greater detail. The plurality oflighting structures850 may be positioned so as to defineinternal cavity810. Each of thelower surfaces216 of the lightsource structure members200 of the plurality oflighting structures850 may define a boundary of theinternal cavity810. Various electrical components utilized in the operation of eachlighting structure850 of the plurality oflighting structures850 may be positioned within theinternal cavity810. In some embodiments, the electrical components utilized in the operation of the plurality oflighting structures850 may be attached to and carried by support structure.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a schematic representation of an embodiment of the electrical components of alighting device1000 according to an embodiment of the invention will now be discussed in greater detail. As recited hereinabove, thelighting device1000 may include electrical components to enable and control the operation of the plurality oflighting structures1040. Examples of such electrical components may include acontroller1010 and apower circuit1020. Thepower circuit1020 may be configured to be positioned in electrical communication with anexternal power source1030, and may be configured to condition, rectify, and otherwise alter electricity received from thepower source1030 so as to be used by the various electrical components of thelighting device1000, including thecontroller1010 and the plurality oflighting structures1040. Accordingly, thepower circuit1020 may be positioned in electrical communication with thecontroller1010 and each lighting structure of the plurality oflighting structures1040. In some embodiments, thecontroller1010 and thepower circuit1020 may be contained on a single circuit board, and may be considered a single integral electronic component.

Thecontroller1010 may be positioned in electrical communication with eachlighting structure1040 of the plurality oflighting structures1040 and may be configured to control the operation of eachlighting structure1040 of the plurality oflighting structures1040. For example, thecontroller1010 may be positioned in electrical communication with each of afirst lighting structure1041, asecond lighting structure1042, and annth lighting structure1043. More specifically, thecontroller1010 may be configured to control the operation of the plurality ofLEDs221 of each of the plurality oflighting structures850. For example, referring now back toFIGS. 4-7, thecontroller1010 may be configured to operate asingle LED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221, thereby causing thefirst feature213′ of the plurality offeatures213, which is associated thesingle LED221 thecontroller1010 selectively operates, thereby causing thefirst facet132′ to emit light. Thecontroller1010 may be configured to selectively operate eachindividual LED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221, thereby enabling thecontroller1010 to selectively emit light from eachfacet132 of the plurality offacets132. Accordingly, thecontroller1010 may be configured to control the direction in which light is emitted from thelighting device800 by selectively operating at least oneLED221 of the plurality ofLEDs221 of at least one of the plurality oflighting structures1040 of thelighting device800. The direction in which light is emitted from thelighting device800 and the result of thelighting structure1040 that theLED221 operated by thecontroller1010 is contained within, and configuration of thefacet132 associated with theLED221 operated by thecontroller1010, namely, the direction in which the emittingsurface134 of thefacet132 is configured to emit light.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the electrical components of alighting device1100 will be discussed in greater detail. As in the embodiment presented inFIG. 10, thelighting device1100 may include acontroller1110 and apower circuit1120. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality oflighting structures1140 may comprise a sub-controller1150. More specifically, each sub-controller1150 of the plurality oflighting structures1140 may be configured to be positioned in electrical communication with thecontroller1110 and to receive instructions therefrom. Moreover, each sub-controller1150 may be configured to operate the plurality ofLEDs221 of the associated lighting structure, one of thefirst lighting structure1141, thesecond lighting structure1142, or the n^thlighting structure1143, responsive to the instructions received from thecontroller1110. In this way, a less sophisticated electrical electronic controller device may be utilized ascontroller1110, as it need only communicate and instruction to each sub-controller1150, which may then interpret the instruction to operate an associated plurality of LEDs according to the configuration of the sub-controller1150.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a lighting device1200 will now be discussed in greater detail. In the present embodiment, the lighting device1200 includes a controller1210, a power circuit1220, and a single lighting structure1230. In such an embodiment, the controller1210 may be configured to control the operation of the lighting structure1230 as described hereinabove.

Referring now toFIGS. 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of the invention will now be discussed. In the present embodiment, thelighting device1300 may include an optic1310 and a lightsource structure member1320 as described hereinabove. Furthermore, thelighting device1300 may additionally include areflective housing member1330. Thereflective housing member1330 may include awall1331 having a reflectiveinner surface1332 configured to reflect light incident thereupon. Additionally, the reflectiveinner surface1332 may be configured to have a contour so as to selectively redirect light that is incident thereupon. In some embodiments, the reflectiveinner surface1332 may be configured to redirect light incident thereupon in the direction of agap1334 between thereflective housing1330 and the optic1310 and the lightsource structure member1320 such that light reflected by the reflectiveinner surface1332 may propagate into the environment surrounding thelighting device1300.

Additionally, thereflective housing1330 may be configured to preserve the directional control of light emitted by thelighting device1300. Accordingly, thereflective housing1330 may be configured to redirect light that is incident upon various sections of the reflectiveinner surface1332 such that light emitted by afirst facet1312 of the optic1310 may be emitted from thelighting device1300 in a first direction, and light emitted by asecond facet1314 of the optic1310 may be emitted from thelighting device1300 in a second direction. More specifically, afirst facet1312 of the optic1310 may emit light that propagates through anoptical chamber1336 defined by the reflectiveinner surface1332, is incident upon afirst section1338′ of the reflectiveinner surface1332, and is redirected through thegap1334 at an angle and in a direction that is unique indistinguishable from light emitted by thesecond facet1314 which is then incident upon asecond section1338″ of the reflectiveinner surface1332 and redirected through thegap1334. Accordingly, light may be emitted from any facet of the optic1310, reflected by the reflectiveinner surface1332, and emitted from thelighting device1300 in a spotlight-like configuration as described hereinabove.

Additional details regarding thelighting device1300 will now be discussed. The geometric configuration of thereflective housing1330 may be determined based on the geometric configuration of theoptic1310. More specifically, where the optic1310 has a generally square configuration, thereflective housing1330 may similarly have a generally square configuration, whereby alower edge1339 of thereflective housing1330 defines its shape.

In some embodiments, thereflective housing1330 may include a color conversion layer positioned adjacent to the reflectiveinner surface1332 such that light emitted by the optic1310 is received by the color conversion layer and a converted light is emitted thereby prior to being reflected out of thelighting device1300. The color conversion layer may be the substantially the same as color conversion layers described hereinabove.

Referring now toFIG. 15 and alternative embodiment of the invention will now be discussed in detail. In the present embodiment, alighting device1500 may comprise acontroller1510, apower circuit1520, a plurality oflighting structures1530, and anetwork interface device1540. Thenetwork interface device1540 may be positioned in electrical communication with thecontroller1510 and may be configured to transmit an instruction to thecontroller1510. Additionally, thenetwork interface device1540 may be configured to communicate electronically with anetwork1550. Thenetwork1550 may be any type of computerized network as is known in the art. Thenetwork interface device1540 may be configured to receive an instruction from a remotecomputerized device1560 across thenetwork1550. Thenetwork interface device1540 may be configured to then transmit the instruction to thecontroller1510. Thecontroller1510 may be configured to operate the plurality oflighting structures1530 responsive to the instructions received from thenetwork interface device1540. The instruction may cause thecontroller1510 to operate a light source of the plurality of light sources associated with alighting structure1530 of the plurality oflighting structures1530.

Referring now toFIG. 16, an additional aspect of the invention will now be discussed. In the present embodiment, thelighting device1600 may be positioned so as to emit light into aroom1610. Thelighting device1600 may be configured according to any of the lighting devices described hereinabove. More specifically, thelighting device1600 may be configured to communicate across thenetwork1550 as described in the lighting device represented inFIG. 15. Accordingly, thelighting device1600 may operate responsive to an input received across thenetwork1550.

One method of using thelighting device1600 may be to indicate a location within theroom1610. For example, thelighting device1600 may be operated so as to illuminate afirst location1612 within theroom1610. This may be accomplished by operating a single LED of a plurality of LEDs of thelighting device1600, which may result in light being emitted from a single facet of thelighting device1600 as described hereinabove. The light emitted by the single facet may result in light propagating through a volume of theroom1610 and being incident upon thefirst location1612. In this way, thelighting device1600 may indicate to an observer thefirst location1612. The purpose of such an indication of thefirst location1612 may depend entirely upon the intended use by the user. For example, in some embodiments, where theroom1610 is contained within a retail commercial establishment, thefirst location1612 may indicate the location of a particular good. In some embodiments, thefirst location1612 may indicate the location of a good that has run out of stock and requires restocking.

Furthermore, thelighting device1600 may be operated so as to illuminate asecond location1614 within theroom1610. The illumination of thesecond location1614 may be concurrent with the illumination of thefirst location1612, or they may occur in a sequential fashion. Similarly, thelighting device1600 may be operated so as to illuminate athird location1616 within theroom1610. The illumination of thethird location1616 may be concurrent with the illumination of each or either of thefirst location1612 and thesecond location1614, or it may occur in a sequential illumination of each of the first, second, andthird locations1612,1614,1616. In this manner, thelighting device1600 may indicate a motion of direction by the sequential illumination of the first, second, andthird locations1612,1614,1616. This may indicate a suggested direction of travel to an observer. This may be desirable in a retail shopping setting, where thelighting device1600 may indicate the direction in which an observer may travel in order to find a particular location or good. Additionally, this may be desirable in emergency situations, where thelighting device1600 may indicate a safe direction of travel towards anexit1618 of theroom1610.

The above-mentioned scenarios are exemplary only, and thelighting device1600 may be used in any method, manner, or setting in which directional illumination is desirable. More information regarding lighting scenarios may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/464,345 entitled Occupancy Sensor and Associated Methods filed May 4, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/785,652 entitled Occupancy Sensor and Associated Methods filed Mar. 5, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/403,531 entitled Configurable Environmental Condition Sensing Luminaire, System and Associated Methods filed Feb. 23, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

Claims (21)

That which is claimed is:

1. An optic for emitting light in selective directions comprising:

a receiving section having a receiving surface;

an intermediate section; and

a concave arcuate emitting section comprising a plurality of triangular prism shaped facets;

wherein the triangular prism shaped facets are defined by a rectangular shaped lower surface proximal to the receiving section and an opposing rectangular shaped upper surface distal to the receiving section and formed at an angle relative to the lower surface;

wherein at least two edges of the rectangular shaped lower surface are adjoined by edges of a separate triangular prism shaped facet;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are defined by increasing slopes from the optic center;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are configured so as to define the concavity of the concave arcuate emitting section;

wherein the receiving surface is configured to direct light incident thereupon through the intermediate section to a triangular prism shaped facet of the concave arcuate emitting section;

wherein each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets is configured to redirect light received from the receiving surface; and

wherein substantially each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets is configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other triangular prism shaped facets of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets.

2. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein the intermediate section comprises a plurality of collimating sections; and wherein each collimating section of the plurality of collimating sections is associated with a respective triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets.

3. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein each triangular prism shaped facet is positioned at some distance from a center of the optic; wherein triangular prism shaped facets generally nearer to the center are configured to redirect light in a direction that is generally closer to orthogonal to a plane defined by a section of the receiving surface from which light is directed so as to be incident upon the triangular prism shaped facet; and wherein triangular prism shaped facets generally further from the center are configured to redirect light in a direction that is generally further from orthogonal to a plane defined by a section of the receiving surface from which light is directed so as to be incident upon the triangular prism shaped facet.

4. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets is configured to be independently illuminated with respect to other adjacent triangular prism shaped facets.

5. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein two triangular prism shaped facets are configured to be independently illuminated with respect to other adjacent triangular prism shaped facets.

6. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein all triangular prism shaped facets are configured to be illuminated as a monolithic unit.

7. The optic ofclaim 6 wherein each facet is configured to redirect light so as to form a single combined light.

8. The optic ofclaim 1 wherein the receiving surface is generally planar.

9. A lighting device for emitting light in selective directions comprising:

a first light source structure member having an outer surface;

a first plurality of light sources attached to the outer surface of the light source structure member;

a controller functionally coupled to the first plurality of light sources;

a power supply positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller and the first plurality of light sources; and

a first optic having a receiving section comprising a receiving surface, an intermediate section, and a concave arcuate emitting section, the concave arcuate emitting section comprising a plurality of triangular prism shaped facets, and the first optic being carried by the first light source structure member;

wherein the triangular prism shaped facets are defined by a rectangular shaped lower surface proximal to the receiving section and an opposing rectangular shaped upper surface distal to the receiving section and formed at an angle relative to the lower surface;

wherein at least two edges of the rectangular shaped lower surface are adjoined by edges of a separate triangular prism shaped facet;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are defined by increasing slopes from the optic center;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are configured so as to define the concavity of the concave arcuate emitting section;

wherein each light source of the first plurality of light sources is positioned such that light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface, directed through the intermediate section, and emitted through a triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of the first optic;

wherein each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets is configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other triangular prism shaped facets of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets; and

wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate each light source of the first plurality of light sources.

10. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein the intermediate section comprises a plurality of collimating sections; wherein each collimating section of the plurality of collimating sections is associated with a triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets; and wherein each collimating section is configured to collimate light in the direction of the associated triangular prism shaped facet emitted by a light source of the first plurality of light sources.

11. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein the first plurality of light sources comprises a light-emitting diode.

12. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein the outer surface is configured to be planar such that the first plurality of light sources are positioned thereupon so as to be coplanar; wherein the receiving surface is generally planar; and wherein the receiving surface is positioned so as to be generally parallel to a plane defined by the first plurality of light sources.

13. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein each triangular prism shaped facet is singularly associated with a single light source of the first plurality of light sources.

14. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein two or more triangular prism shaped facets are associated with a single light source of the first plurality of light sources.

15. The lighting device ofclaim 9 wherein each triangular prism shaped facet is associated with two or more light sources of the first plurality of light sources.

16. The lighting device ofclaim 15 wherein each of the two or more light sources associated with each triangular prism shaped facet emit light that combines to form a combined light; and wherein the combined light is a white light.

17. The lighting device ofclaim 9 further comprising:

a second light source structure member having an outer surface;

a second plurality of light sources positioned on the second light source structure member; and

a second optic having a receiving section comprising a generally planar receiving surface, an intermediate section, and an emitting section, the emitting section comprising a plurality of triangular prism shaped facets;

wherein each light source of the second plurality of light sources is positioned such that light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface, directed through the intermediate section, and emitted through a triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of the second optic;

wherein each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of the second optic is configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other triangular prism shaped facets of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of the second optic;

wherein the power supply is positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller, the first plurality of light sources, and the second plurality of light sources;

wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate each light source of the first and second plurality of light sources;

wherein the receiving surface of the first optic defines a first plane, and the receiving surface of the second optic defines a second plane; and

wherein the first plane is skew to the second plane.

18. The lighting device ofclaim 17 wherein a section of the first light source structure member interfaces with a section of the second light source structure member.

19. The lighting device ofclaim 17 wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane.

20. A lighting device for emitting light in selective directions comprising:

a plurality of lighting structures, each lighting structure of the plurality of lighting structures comprising:

a light source structure member having an outer surface and an inner surface;

a plurality of light sources attached to the outer surface of the light source structure member; and

an optic comprising a receiving section comprising a receiving surface, an intermediate section, and a concave arcuate emitting section, the concave arcuate emitting section comprising a plurality of triangular prism shaped facets, the optic being carried by the light source structure member adjacent to the outer surface; and

a controller functionally coupled to the plurality of light sources of each of the lighting structures of the plurality of lighting structures;

a power supply positioned in electrical communication with at least one of the controller and the plurality of light sources of the plurality of lighting structures;

wherein the triangular prism shaped facets are defined by a rectangular shaped lower surface proximal to the receiving section and an opposing rectangular shaped upper surface distal to the receiving section and formed at an angle relative to the lower surface;

wherein at least two edges of the rectangular shaped lower surface are adjoined by edges of a separate triangular prism shaped facet;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are defined by increasing slopes from the optic center;

wherein the rectangular shaped upper surfaces are configured so as to define the concavity of the concave arcuate emitting section;

wherein the plurality of lighting structures are positioned such that the inner surface of each light source structure member cooperates to define an internal cavity;

wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate each light source of the plurality of light sources of each lighting structure;

wherein each light source of the plurality of light sources of each lighting structure is positioned such that light emitted thereby is received by the receiving surface of the same lighting structure, directed through the intermediate section, and emitted through a triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of the optic of the same lighting structure; and

wherein each triangular prism shaped facet of the plurality of triangular prism shaped facets of each lighting structure is configured to redirect light in a direction unique from the other facets of the plurality of facets of the same lighting structure.

21. The lighting device ofclaim 20 wherein each lighting structure of the plurality of lighting structures has the same geometry; and wherein the plurality of lighting structures are positioned so as to form a regular polyhedral shape.

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